Enhanced water system for evaporative coolers

ABSTRACT

A air pre-cooler, water reservoir and distribution apparatus for evaporative air conditioners, incorporating an insulated, increased volume, self-cleaning water reservoir and a unique water distribution system, in which the cooling efficiency is increased through enhanced air water contact, and provides cleaner and cooler outlet air through particulate removal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX.” (See 37 CFR 1.96(c)).

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to that class of air conditioners in which the air is cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of water. This invention enhances the operation of this type of cooler by maintaining a deeper, insulated, sloped reservoir to provide cleaner and cooler circulating water eliminating the need for bleed off thus reducing water consumption while improving efficiency. In addition, the temperature of the air stream is pre-cooled by an air to water heat exchanger which also incorporates a solenoid operated bypass valve that regulates the amount of water introduced to the cooling media, thus increasing cooling efficiency, conserving water and allowing control of the final air outlet temperature.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is carried out by the inlet air stream passing over a water to air heat exchanger, prior to being circulated over the evaporative media which both cools the inlet air and the return water, which is returned to a reservoir that is insulated to maintain a large volume of water at near wet bulb temperature. The water from the reservoir is circulated through the heat exchanger and then across the cooling media by a pump with its suction located at mid-depth of the reservoir, isolating it from floating debris and heaver particles that settle to the bottom of the reservoir and are guided by the sloped bottom to an integral sump. A three way valve located between the heat exchanger and the evaporative media regulates the air outlet temperature by limiting the amount of water introduced to the cooling media.

This invention removes suspended particulate matter with a new and novel bottom pan that is tapered to a sump that can be purged manually or automatically.

A larger volume of water is pumped through a main header that discharges upward to avoid plugging of the distribution system. The larger volume of water aids the cooling of the air stream by adding convection cooling to the latent heat of evaporation.

This invention can be installed on new or existing evaporative air conditioners or as a self-contained device that can be retrofitted to new or existing evaporative air conditioners. It is accordingly the objective of this invention to provide increased performance of new or existing evaporative air conditioners, whether as an integral part or a separate detached water reservoir and distribution system. It is a further objective of this invention to provide debris removal for evaporative air conditioners, enhancing the life of the cooling media, motors, pumps, belts and pulleys. It is a further object of this invention to eliminate the need for evaporative air conditioners to bleed a portion of the water reservoir to minimize corrosion and scale buildup and to conserve water. It is a further object of this invention to have enhanced air/water contact, to maximize the extraction of heat from the inlet air stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The objects and attendants advantages of this invention will be readily apparent to any one familiar with the field of the invention from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view through an evaporative air conditioner fitted with the water to air heat exchanger and the new reservoir system.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view through an existing evaporative air conditioner retrofitted with the new reservoir system.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the new water distribution header.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention a substantially cubic or cylindrical cabinet I is fitted with an insulated reservoir 2, which is provided with a sloping bottom 3, and a debris sump 4. The bottom of the reservoir is also provided with a shelf 5, for mounting a water distribution pump 6.

A water to air heat exchanger 7 is located upstream of the cooling media 8. Water from the reservoir 2 is pumped by the water distribution pump 6 into the top of the water to air heat exchanger 2 and travels downward to the bottom of the water to air heat exchanger 2. Air passing through the water to air heat exchanger 7 is pre-cooled prior to contact with the cooling media 8. The water exits the bottom of the water to air heat exchanger and enters a solenoid dump valve 9 that either directs the water to the reservoir 2 or to the water distribution header 10, thus regulating the amount of water introduced to the cooling media 8. The water distribution header 10, is fitted with a plurality upward facing water distribution holes and is mounted to the cabinet 1, above the cooling media 8. The space between the sloping bottom 3 and the cabinet 1, is filled with foam insulation 11. A drain line 12 is provided to purge the debris collector sump 4, and is further fitted with either a manually valve, or optionally a solenoid operated valve 13, for the removal of accumulated solids and particulate matter.

When the invention is assembled as a stand alone reservoir/distribution system to be retrofitted to existing evaporative air conditioners 14, the reservoir 2, the sloping bottom 3, the shelf 5, the pump 6 the sump 4, drain line 12, the drain valve 13 and a makeup water float valve 15 are assembled within their own cabinet 16, which is fitted with a removable lid 17. A feed line 18 and a return line 19 are provided to circulate the cold water to and from the existing air conditioner 14. The addition of weirs 20, assist in keeping particulate material away from the pump inlet.

In either case, the water distribution header 10 is fitted with water distribution holes or nozzles 21 that face upward and spray onto a reflector 22. The excess water flow aids in cooling the inlet air as well as keeping the cooling media 8 flushed and clean. Under operation, water is pumped from midstream of the cool water reservoir 2, by the water pump 6, through the water to air heat exchanger 7 and then the solenoid operated three way valve 9 that diverts the correct amount of water to the distribution header 17 as required to maintain the set temperature, or in the case of the retrofit system directly to the water distribution header 17.

The water is sprayed from a plurality of water nozzles 21 onto a reflector 22, assuring both constant distribution of the water and preventing water nozzles 21 from becoming clogged. As the water returns from the cooling media 8 to the reservoir 2, it has been cooled to near wet bulb temperature. The natural vibrations inherent with fans and blowers, causes the separated solid particulate matter to flow by gravity and the constant agitation from the falling water, to the new and novel debris collecting sump, while the lighter debris floats on the surface. The pedestal 5 assures the circulation pump 6 is continually circulating cool clean water through the water to air heat exchange 7 and over the cooling media 8 as required to maintain the thermostatic set temperature, and the insulation assures the water remains near wet bulb before being circulated over the media 8 again. This excess water flow in conjunction with the reduced reservoir temperature increases the efficiency of cooling the inlet air stream due to additional heat transfer through forced conduction, as the air is forced into contact with the cold water flow. 

1. A new and novel water reservoir, which incorporates a sloped bottom surface, insulated bottom and walls, a pedestal to maintain the circulation pump in mid depth of the larger volume of water, and a debris collection sump fitted with a drain valve, either manual or automatic, which increases the cooling efficiency and reduces the buildup of scale, while conserving water, and is fitted with a new and novel water distribution header with upward facing water distribution holes which are sprayed onto a reflector assuring an even distribution of water over the cooling media, improving efficiency and further providing excess cold water flow to improve efficiency through added heat transfer via forced convection.
 2. A new and novel air pre-cooler that incorporates a solenoid operated dump valve that regulates the amount of water introduced to the evaporative cooling media based on a thermostat setting, thus regulating the outlet air temperature by evaporating only the water required to achieve the set temperature and thus conserving water. 